Helical shaft machine



. Jul'y 2s, 1953 w. e. DE WALD 2,646,687

HELICAL SHAFT MACHINE Filed June 15, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet l XVM/@@6077 ls'sheets-sheet 2 w.l E. DE wALD HELICAL SHAFT MACHINE July 28, 1953 Fi1ed June 15, 1951 July 28, 1953 w. E. DE wALD 2,646,687

HELICAL SHAFT MACHINE Filed June 15, 1951 '5 Shee'ts-Sh'eet 4 l ,Yu E A L A #-f/ l k July 2s, 1953 w. E. BE WALD 2,646,687

HELICAL SHAFT MACHINE Filed June 15, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 l R fnl/Awww? Patented July 28, 1953 4ori-ICE 2,646,687 HELICAL SHAFT MACHINE William E. De Wald, Chicago, Ill. Application June 15, 1951, serial No. 231,867

(ci. Flai-1h27) 1v claims. 1

vThis invention relates to a helical shaft and 4a housing movable longitudinally thereof, said housing containing means for selectively effecting various movements of the shaft or the housing.

More particularly the shaft is formed with helical grooves one of which extends in a right hand direction and another of which extends in a left hand direction, and the vhousing contains a pair of longitudinally spaced sleeves each having external teeth, and an internal projection for following its respective groove, and means lfor selectively controlling the rotation of either or both of said sleeves with relation to the housing for enabling a wide variety of movements of the shaft or the housing.

While not limited thereto, the invention, for illustrative purposes only, is shown in the drawings as applied to a tool of the general type of a screw driver, socket wrench, twisting tool,

'or the like. I wish it understood however, that 1. The shaft will remain idle (stationary) when the housing is pulled away from the working end of the shaft, and will rotate clockwise when the housing is pushed toward the working end of the shaft, which movement for brevity may be stated to be-idle on the pullturn clockwise on the push. 2.Idle on the pull--turn counterclockwise on vthe push.

3. Idle on the pulllock when pushed, so the .Y

handle cannot getV any closer to the job. 4. Idle on the push-turn clockwise on the pull. v5. Idle on the push-turn counterclockwise on they pull.

l6.v Idle on the push-lock when pulled so-the handle cannot move away from the work.

,7. No idle-shaft turn continuously clockwise on both the push and on the pull. 8. No idleshaft turn clockwise on the push and counterclockwise on the pull.

9. No idleshaft turn continuouslyy counterclockwise on both the push and on the pull.

10. No idleshaft turn counterclockwise on the push and clockwise on the pull. l

11. Positive lock of the shaft on both the push and on the pull.

12. Idle on both the push and on the pull.

Among the objects of my invention are: to provide a new and improved helical shaft machine; to provide a helical shaft machine having selectively operable control means for carrying into effect one, some, or all of the above mentioned actions; and such further objects, advantages and capabilities, 'inherently possessed by my invention, as will later more fully ap"- pear.

My invention further resides in the combi'- nation, construction and arrangement ofparfts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and while I have shown therein a preferred embodiment I wish it understood that the same is susceptible of modification and 'change without departing from the spirit of my invention.

In the drawings: e

Fig. 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a helical shaft'machine embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged, longitudinal section through the housing and part of the handle, the shaft being shown in elevation.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the line 3--3 of Fig. 2. l

Fig. 4 is a transverse section on the line 4;-4

of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a transverse section on the line 5--5 of Fig. 2. Y p

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the spacen Fig. 'I is a side elevation, partly in section, of the two sleeves in their normal spaced apart position.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of one of the clutch bars and its spring.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one ofthe two saddle members, showing its `retaining button slightly displaced. f

Fig. 10y is a. perspective view of the other saddle member with its retainingbutton in place there- VFig. 11 is a fragmentary, longitudinal section .of the housing, on an enlarged scale, showing Aa portion of the shaft in broken lines, and the two clutch bars in position for given operations. Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11, but with the clutch bars in position for other given operations.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 1l, but with 3 the clutch bars in position for still other given operations.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 11, but with the clutch bars in position for other given operations.

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 11, but with the clutch bars in position for further given operations.

Fig. 16 is a longitudinal section through the two sleeves and showing the clutch bars in position for still other given operations.

Fig. 17 is a View similar to Fig. 16, but showing one of the saddle members in fragmental elevation, and the clutch bars in positionfor other given operations.

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 16, but showing the clutch bars in position for further given operations.

` Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 17 but showing the clutch bars in position for other given operations.

Fig. 20 is a transverse section through the two clutch bars and showing in fragmental elevation one of the saddle members in one of its positions of operation. v

Fig. 21 is a View similar to Fig. 16, but showing the clutchbars in position for still other given operations.

In the drawings, for illustrative purposes only, my invention is shown as applied to a tool of the general type of a screw driver, socket wrench, drill, Wire twister, or the like, and comprising a shaft I having extending along its length double rhelical grooves 2 vand 3, of which groove 2 extends in a right hand direction, and groove 3 extends in a left hand direction, as viewed from the top. These grooves cross each other as will be understood in Fig. 2.- Rotatably mounted on `the rear end (right hand end in Fig. 2) of shaft l is a handle 4 having a central bore 5 of somewhat greater inside diameter for a portion of its length than the outside diameter of shaft I, to provide space for an expansion spring ring 6 'seated in a circumferential groove in shaft I, to

permit the shaft to move longitudinally within the bore of the handle 4, but prevent it from being pulled entirely out therefrom by reason of the ring 5 striking shoulder 'I in the handle bore 5.

Mounted in the handle bore 5 is a coil compression spring 8 bearing at one end against the rear end of shaft I, and at the other end against a closed end, shoulder or any suitable abutment to permit the handle'to be pushed vparts later more fully described.

Rotatably mounted on shaft I, within housing 9 are a pair of longitudinally spaced sleeves II and I2, each of which sleeves has on its endtoward the respective end of the housing, gear teeth spaced around its circumference and preflerably of short length. The teeth on the sleeve II are designated at I3 and are located on the left hand end of sleeve II as viewed in Fig. 2. The teeth on the sleeve I2 are designated at I4 and are located on the right hand end of sleeve I2 as viewed in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2 it is also seen that the left hand end of housing 9 is closed by anA end member I5 threaded thereinto and having an annular iiange i6 abutting the end of the housing when in iinal position. End member I5 is formed with a central hole Il' of a size to permit the shaft to rotatably slide longitudinally therethrough.

Positioned Within housing 9 on one side of the annular space I0 is a spacer i8 (see Figs. 4 and 5), which holdsthe sleeves spaced longitudinally apart to prevent any frictional drag therebetween when they rotate in opposite directions -relatively to each other. Spacer IB is held against circumferential movement in housing 9 by a pin I9 passing through the housing and into the spacer. The circumferential width of spacer I8 is less than one half of a circle so as to be amply free of the clutch bars 25 and 2I later more fully explained. Also along each of its side edges spacer I3 is formed along its length `with aninwardly disposed recess 22 and 23 for a purpose explained more fully later herein.

Clutch bars 2D and ZI are each preferably of approximately square cross section and vof a length such that their end portions will selectively contact and be disengaged from teeth i3 and I4. These clutch bars extend longitudinally within the annular space I0 within housing' 9,

vand are so positioned that their right hand side faces, as viewed in Fig. 3, bothy lie within a plane 24 passing through the axial center of shaft I, with the body of the clutch bars each being to the left of said plane 24, with lone clutch .bar

'being on one side of sleeves II and I2 and the other clutch bar being on the other side thereof. Clutch bar 231s normally urged inwardly toward teeth 3 and I4 by an elongated leaf spring 25 which midway of its length on the outer. face thereof is formed with a rounded extension or head 26 seated in a complemental recess formed on the adjacent portion of the inner face of the housing. Clutch bar 2| is likewise provided with a similar spring 2l having a similar head 23. Heads 26 and 28 permit springs 25 and'z to rock, but prevent their longitudinal displacement.

Any suitable means desired may be used, such as circumferentiallyv spaced inwardly extending projections 29, 35, 3I and 32 (see Figs. 3-5 for holding each of the clutch bars against circumferential displacement, but permitting them to bodilyV move at either or both ends toward and away from teeth i3 and I4 to be engaged with or disengaged from, said teeth. One side of the housing 9, opposite from the side having the vspacer I8, is formed with a pair of longitudinally spaced, circumferentially extending slots 33 and 34 for slidably receiving the outwardly extending .handles 35 and 3S .of the two saddle members .3l and 38 respectively. As seen in Figs. 4 and 5,

each of saddle members 3l' and 33 is of arcuate vshape with its inner face of the same curvature as the outer face of its respective sleeve I I or I2 so as to slidaloly engage the same circumferentially.

The outer surface of each end of each of the saddle members is inclined to a cam or wedge shape so as to slide under and lift up the respective end of the clutch bar when pushed thereunder by sliding that particular saddle member in that direction by its saddle handle 35 or 36. When such wedge or cam end at either end of either of the clutch bars is moved from under that end or ends of the clutch bar or bars the latter will be moved into contact with the adjacent teeth I3 or I4 under pressure of one or be moved into or out of contact with the respective teeth, by movement of the saddle handle :or handles in the desired vdirection in its or their slot or slots. y

Asvrseen in Fig. 5, each of the saddle members 3l and 38 is formed vin its outer face near its .lower -end as viewed in Figs. 4, 5,9 and 1G, with a recess extending across the full width thereof longitudinally of the shaft, to permit the respec tive end portions of clutch 'bar 2| to be seated therein, to enable one or the other, or both, of the ends of this clutch bar to selectively contact with one or the other, or bot-h, of the sets of teeth I3 and I4, -as desired .for purposes latermore fully explained. This recess in saddle member 31 is designated at 39, and in saddle member 38 it is designated at 40. Also as will .be noted in Figs. 4 and 5, the spacer member recesses 22 and 23 are in position to vpermit the respective adjacent ends of the saddle members to move thereinto when desired.

As stated earlier herein each of the sleeves II t and I2 is formed with an internal .projection for are of right 'hand yhelical formation, while the f pair in sleeve I2 are of left hand helical formation. Whileva single right hand heli-calgroove Land -a single" left hand helical groove could be used shaft I, and a single right hand helical projection or rib and a single left hand helical projection or rib 'could 'be used 'in sleeves I I` and vi2 respectively, I prefer to form the shaftf with 'avpair of diametrically opposite right han-d grooves, and a pair of diametri-cally Vopposite left hand grooves, as seen in Fig. 2; The trailing `right hand gro-ove, which is 180 'degrees behind groove 2 in shaft 'I is indicated at 2", `andthe trailing left hand groove, whichjis 180 degrees behind Agroove 3 therein is `indicated at 3*. Bikewsethe trailing right han-d rib 4l" is 1'80 degrees behind right hand rib l"II in sleeve i and the trailing left hand rib 42 itV 130 degrees behind left hand rib 42 in sleeve I2.

The right hand ribs lll and lli in sleeve il are slidablyseated one in each 'of the right vhand grooves'z and 2, and the left hand ribs 1l2'and t2 insle-eve I2 are slidably seated jonein each yof the left hand grooves ill and 3". It is thus -seen that if sleeve II is heldv'against rotation with relation to housing 9 and sleeve I2 is permitted to rotate in the housing, the two right hand ribs 4| and 4I of sleeve II will likewise be held aga'inn rotation, andas the handle and yhousing are moved longitudinally of the shaft the shaft willbe caused to rotate .in one direction or :the other depending upon the direction of movevment of' the housing longitudinally ,along the shaft. This is because the ribs 4I. and 4I', when the housing is moved longitudinally along the shaft, with sleeve II held against rotating and .sleeve I2 rotating, will in one direction of movef If however sleeve. |2 is held against rotation with .relation to .housing 9, 'and sleeve II .is permitted to rotate therein, similar opera-tions will take place but .in opposite directions of rotation of shaft v| for .similar movement of the housing .9 along shaft yI. Also if both of sleeves II and I-2 are left free to rotate freely in housing -9, ymovement of the housing longitudinally along the :shaft -ineither direction will produce no rotation of the shaft, which will merely rotate one sleeve idly in one direction and rotate the other sleeve idly in the other direction. This is what I term .idling of the shaft both on the .push and on the pull of the housing.

An important feature of my invention is the yarrangement of the two longitudinally `extending clutch bars 2|) and 2| on opposite sides of the sleeves II and I2, with the right hand side face of each, as viewed in Figs. 3-5, at both ends `'of the bar, `falling in plane 24 passing longitudinally through the axis of rotation of shaft I, and with the body of each clutch bar to the left of `said plane. When either end portion of either yclutch 'bar is forced against the adjacent set of teeth I3 lor |4 by spring 25 -or 21 see for example 'end 20a of clutch bar 20 in the upper portion of Fig. 3, the inner corner thereof 'at said ldiametrical plane 24 is closer to the center of the circle of the outer ends of the teeth than is the other `corner 'of the inner face 'of the vclutch lbar.

means that when sleeve I I, carrying .with it teeth I3, tries to rotate counterclockwise as Viewed in Fig. 3, the advancing side or" the nearest tooth will strike the inner edge of the clutch bar end 20a at said plane and stop further rotation of that particular sleeve, which in the position shown in Fig. 3 is sleeve I I. However when sleeve I is rotated clockwise as viewed in Fig. 3 the clutch bar end 20a will not stop the rotationv of the sleeve because, due to the left hand inner corner of end 20a of the clutch bar 2li being farther away from the center of the circle of the outer ends of the teeth than the other inner corner 'at said plane, the outer ends of the teeth will strike the inner face of the clutch bar end 20a instead, of the side lface thereof, andv cam therepast as each tooth 'comes opposite the clutch bar end. In other words, referring to Fig.

3 and clutch bar end 20a, the position of parts is such that the sleeve I I can rotate freely in clockwise direction, but is prevented from rotation in counterclockwise direction. This is not affected in any way by the clutch bar end 2Ia inthe position shown in Fig. 3 because the clutch barend 2Ia is shown as being held away from contact with the teeth by the adjacent end of saddle member 38 l(see Fig. 4).

If however, 'the saddle member 3'8 be shifted to raise the clutch bar end 20a away from contact with the teeth I3, and free clutch bar end 2 Ia lto be moved into contact with teeth I3 under bias of spring ZI, the reverse would be true, that is,

`'the sleeve II would be locked against rotation 'with rthe result that the teeth would be stopped by said nearer corner if attempt is made 'to rotate sleeve I'I in a clockwise direction, but would cam over the inner face of clutch bar end 2 Ia and permit free rotation of sleeve II in a counterclockwise direction.

The same actions would occur at the other end of the housing with reference to-the clutch ybar ends 20h and 2lb and -teeth I4 of sleeve I2,

a's will be understood when it is remembered that the clutch bar ends 2Gb and 2lb stand in the same position with relation to the diametrical plane 24 as do clutch bar ends 20al and 2Ia, as

Aseen by comparing Figs. 3 and 5. In other words if clutch bar end 2Gb was being pressed against the teeth I4 by spring 25, and clutch bar end 2lb was being 'held away from contact with these teeth (disregarding the other ends of the clutch bars for the moment) by the saddle member 31, the parts would be in the same relative position as the parts inFig. 3, and sleeve I2 would be locked against rotation in a counterclockwise direction, and be free to rotate in a clockwise direction. From the foregoing it is seen that by manipulation of the two saddle members 31 and 38 the two clutch bars 2D and 2| may each be POSITION NO. l

Shaft idle on pullturn clockwise on push Position No. 1 of the clutch bars 23 and 2I with relation to the teeth I3 and I4, to cause the shaft to idle (remain stationary) on the pull of the ,housing rearwardly therealong, and to turn clockwise as the housing is pushed forwardly therealong, is shown in Fig. l1. In this position the saddle members `31 and 38 have been so shifted as to bring clutch bar end 20h into contact with teeth I4, under action of spring 25, and the other three clutch bar ends 26a, 2 Ic and 2 Ib away from contact with their respective adjacent teeth. This means that sleeve I2 will rotate freely in the clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3, and lock in the counterclockwise direction. This will not be disturbed by clutch bar end 2Ib.because it is held away from teeth I4 by saddle member 31.

Also sleeve II will rotate freely in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions because both of clutch bar ends 20a. and 2Ia are held away from contact with teeth I3 by saddle member 38. Consequently when the housing is pulled rearwardly along the shaft, sleeve I I will rotate freely i ina counterclockwise direction, and sleeve I2 will rotate freely in a clockwise direction. When however the housing is pushed forwardly along the shaft, the sleeve I2 will be locked against rotation in a counterclockwise direction, but sleeve rII will rotate freely in a clockwise direction.

From the foregoing it will be understood that with the parts in Position No. l, the shaft will idle on the pull of the housing, and will rotate clockwise on the push of the housing. Throughout this specification, unless specifically stated to the contrary, the terms clockwise and counterclockwise will be used to apply when looking toward the rear end of the handle, or in other words, as viewed in Figs. 3-5.

POSITION NO. I die on pullcountercloclcwise on push Position No. 2 0f the parts in housing 9, to

cause the shaft I to idle on the pull of the housing rearwardly therealong, and to rotate counterclockwise as the housing is pushed forwardly therealong, is shown in Fig, 12. In this position the saddle members 31 and 38 have been so shifted in the housing as to bring clutch bar end 2Ia into contact with teeth I3, under action of spring 21, and to hold the other three clutch bar ends 2Ib, 20a andZDb away from Contact with their respective adjacent teeth. Thus sleeve I2 is free to rotate in either direction on shaft I, and sleeve I I is free to rotate in a counterclockwise direction on shaft I because of teeth I3 slipping over the inner face of end 2 la of the clutch bar 2l due to the offset position of this clutch bar. Sleeve I I however is not free to rotate in a clockwise direction on shaft I because of teeth I3 being locked against clutch bar end 2 Ia and preventing rotation in that direction. Consequently this causes the shaft I to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction when the housing 9 is pushed forwardly alongr the shaft, but permits the shaft to idle when the housing is pulled rearwardly along the shaft.

POSITION NO. 3

Idle on null-lock on push Position No.3 of the parts in housing 9, to cause the shaft I to idle on the pull of the housing rearwardly therealong, and to be locked against rotation in the housing when the housing is pushed in a forward direction with relation to the shaft, is shown in Fig. 13. This position is the same as Position No. 2 in Fig. 12, except that the clutch bar end 20h in Position No. 3 has been released by movement of saddle member 31 to permit spring 25 to force end 20h into contact with teeth I4. This means that clutch bar ends 2Ia and 20D are in contact with teeth I3 and I4 respectively, and that clutch bar ends 20a .and 2 I b are away from the teeth. It should be remembered that when clutch bar end 2Ia and clutch bar end 20h are in contact with teeth I3 and I4 respectively, that teeth I3 will slip counterclockwise and hold clockwise, .and that teeth I4 will slip clockwise and hold counterclockwise. Keeping in mind that the internal ribs 4I and 4I of sleeve I I are of right hand lead and that internal ribs 42 and 42 of sleeve I2 are of left hand lead, it will be seen that Position No. 3 of the parts will cause the shaft I to be idle on the pull of the housing rearwardly therealong, and to be locked against rotation in the housing wlhen the housing is pushed in a forward direction with relation to the shaft.

POSITION NO. 4

Idle on pushclockwise on pull Position No. 4 of the parts in housing 9, to cause the shaft I to idle on the push of the housing forwardly therealong, and to rotate clockwise when the housing is pulled rearwardly therealong, is shown in Fig. 2. In this position the saddle members 31 and 38 have been so shifted in the housing as to bring clutch bar end 20a into contact with teeth I3, under action of spring 25, and to hold the other three clutch bar ends 20h, 2Ia and 2lb away from contact with their respective adjacent teeth. This means that sleeve I2 is free to rotate in either direction on the shaft, while sleeve II (through its integral teeth I 3) is influenced only by clutch bar end 20a and permitted to slip clockwise but be held counterclockwise. Due to the internal ribs in sleeve I I being of right hand lead, a vpush of the Salt-.1,11 teeth. li. digging geen' rest. its @with in a clockwise direction (see ig. 3). As is obvious sleeve`l2'wil1 rotate freely oh the shaft because neither of its clutches is engaged with its teeth. However when' the housing is moved inthe ODD.- site direction (pulled rearwardly) the 4tendeicy of teeth I3 will befto'rotate countrclckwis`e,"bu't they will be held by clutch bar end 20a, which, will result in thev 's laft being rotated' clccl'v vi's'e." PQSiTIQr- NQ 5 Idle on push-counterclockwise on, pull respective adjacent teeth. This' 'that sleeve II is free to rotate in either dietiooi the shaft, while sleeve'IZ'v (throu'gh its teeth I4) S nueled 991V C11-@$1.1 br @nd @i l?. .geld Per' mittedto slip cou'nterclockwise but be held clockwise. Duet the'internal ribs in sleeVe"I2 being of uleft hand lead, 'a'p'ush of tlfiehousingi tory wardly along the shaft`will merely 'result in teeth I4"`slpping freely `past its clutch in a coul'iterclockwise direction.v "As is`obvious sleeve I'I`wil1 rotate freely on the shaft because neither of its clutchesA is 'in'ortact 'with teethl I3. However when the housing' is" moved in the opposite di# reotion" (pulled rearwardly), the tendency of teeth'I4 will b'eto rotate clockwise, but'they will b held by"clutch` bar end-2lb', `winch will result in the shaft being rotated counterclockwise. In these 'various positionsandf'various movements, while the'husing Tis' being'pushed-forwardly' or pulled rearwardly lon the shaft, the housing vis held against rotation by vthe'h'and othefoijerator.

u k'Rosy-7191i15?@1?i y Idle on push- Zoek against pull BoitQn NQ- 6 Of, the Ports in.. housing 9.. to cause the shaft to nlejon 'theimsh'bfth husll. in? ifvrdllfihrlrg, ami/'t6 ,QQI yH1455 ft. against rotation' @temono when om exerted against" thehousg in. a trwadi motion; isisgiiown in Fig. nithi's po fue .SaSlel hifllbs'nd have bef 1 .i'th lh'oils'illA aS' t5 @rifle 'jib 11H5 2 and gw into contact with tettoia non 1I spootively. under action of sonnes zg and .21, ed to move clutch' ar. eds. ZIdnd away r'oni'contact 'with thy 1' resbtiveladja'cet teeth'. When the housing vils Vlill'shcl'fr)Ivi/army:along tl' shaft the tendency 'of sleeve II is 'to' turn clock WiSe'ld f Sll'f TQQ PUIH, CJ'QJlCKWlS! which is permitted because ofthe ''iistof dcllklt'h' WIS 'sind 2,! Dritfthg fhe'ltf lfad to sup freely' past-andi respeotiyomnor :face of clutch bar endo. zw and 2lb; However"- 'frCS-'exerie against housing@ trlng t '131.111 it' 'rerwardly A0f the" shaft. the" tendenti? 'i sleeve I'I `v'would be to rotate countercloclwise ander' sleeve IZ to rotate clockwise,` which movements would be prevented by'f'th'clutch liar nends '28a and 2lb Striking the sides Vflietli f3 4andY Il ll speetively, and stopping rotation ot'th'e 'teethin the directions stated. As. thev internal rilos .in SleeYeI I are of,right.hand lead, andthe internal 1Q ribs in sleeve I2 are of left hand lead, this locks the shaft against rotation in. the lwuingas long as 'the' force-exerted against the h'ousigis'a pun in a rearward direction, However. as. Stated a push on. the housing will. permit, the Shaft ISO. idR- Position No. 7 of the parts in housing 9., t0 -oaos'e the shaft to rotate clockwise 'ofrihotn a ont" an@ a' son. @.f 'the housing marea-lote., is. siijWn sigilo. Inthis position ,trieste-g1g "ers 3l and 3 8 have" been soshifted ili'flie ,l .usmfgyfas to bring clutch bar ends L'a' and 20h mto'ontact "with 'teem r3 and' I4' respectiyolg, under tin olf Sllig'ZE; and to movel lulh bfar' ends" 2id and' 2'Ifb` away from contact with theirrespectiveadjac 'nt teeth. When the housf ing" ispushed fooi' dit along. the 'Shftthe tndencyfsleeve Ii isto rotate clockwise, and thetenden'cy of sleeve I2 is to rotateV counter? ciookwiso in the housing." As w'iu be nderst oid in rjigfmhis will permit' tetnls to sudo :1y over the inner face of `clutch bar 'end 20e, butwi'll noie teetiiu against counteroiockwise' rotation in; the housing*Whionwurforoe tht shaft" to rio? tte' clockwise' in 'the housing; whenY however, the hoisiigis' pulled rearwardly al g tlieshatt the tehde'rioy'of'sieeyo n is' to rotate coun clockwise'in the housing', andthetendenoy sleeve-4 I2 is" to*n rotate l lockwe in` the 'hiiS-I AS will be lldrstod inFg. 3,'thiS Will'hdld t th Illy and sleeve [I against rtat, blitvill'per *y teethdli' to slide= fl'y'over the inner face (if clutch har end Zilli. "This holding" f` sleeve ,IIy against rotation will cause shaft I t rotate'clockwise on the pullot the housing. It is thus seen that with the parts in Position No. '7, the shaft will rotateclockwise on both theA u'sh andthe pull of the housing.

RQSITION NO- 8 Clockwise on push-counterclockwse on pull Position No, 8 of the parts in the housing Q, to cause' the shaft I to rotate vclockwise'whenthe lll'ng' spush'ed forwardly therealong, andto rotate"'eountereloclwiseA When the housing is pulled rearwardly therealong', is shownin Fig. 17. I'r'this position the'. ,saddle members 3l and, '38 hai/@boon "so shifted in' the housingastotnng the 'clutch bar ends Zlib and gib' hoth into contact with teeth I4 df Sleeve I2' under action of springs 25 and '21, and to :nove clutch bar'ends' 20aA and 2 Ia away'fr'm contact with teeth I 3'of sleeve'l I`.

The :Contact of clutch berend 2oz with'teeth 'la i`s madeY possible by moving the adjacent end of the saddle member' 3l clear of clutch bar ZIl'and permitting spring 25 to press them together. The contact of clutch bar end 2Ibfwith teeth I4 is made. possible by. providing anotan a3 (see. Fig- 20) adiaent the other end. of saddle .member il. into which notch clutch bar end `2lb enters far enough to contact teeth I4. In Position No. 8 it thus'sentl'latsleeve t II may 'rl'tate freely 11.1 thl" Clirgt,lfll ill hQllSng 9 ITIOWei/.el4` With both' hitch Defends" Zb an'dlb in yintact w jh teeth I4', it will loe understood in Fig@ 3 that sleeve I2x is lo'ckd against rotationineitherdirctin with relation to the housing, and consedu'ently; due toits internal ribs being of left lhandvld will rotate the shaft clockwise when the housing is pushed forwardly, and will rotate the shaft counterclockwise when the housing ispulled rearwardly, along the shaft. i

POSITION NO. gf

No z'le-counte'rclockwise both push and pull Position No. 9 of the parts in housing 9, to cause the shaft to rotate counterclockwise on both a push and a pull of the housing therealong, is shown in Fig, 18. In this position the saddle members 31 and 38 have been so shifted in the housing as to bring clutch bar ends 2Ia and 2Ib into contact with teeth I3 and I respectively, under action of spring 21, and to move clutch bar ends 20a and 20h away from contact with their respective adjacent teeth. When the housing is pushed forwardly along the shaft, the tendency of sleeve II is to rotate clockwise, and the tendency of sleeve I2 is to rotate counterclcckwise in the housing. As will be understood in Fig. 3, this will permit teeth I5 to slide freely over the inner face of clutch bar end ZIb, but will hold teeth I3 against clockwise rotation in the housing which will force the shaft to rotate counter-clockwise during said forward push of the housing. When however, the housing` is pulled rearwardly along the shaft, the tendency of sleeve II is to rotate counterclockwise in the housing, and the tendency of sleeve I2 is to rotate clockwise in the housing. As will be understood in Fig. 3, this will 'hold teeth I4 and sleeve I2 against rotation but will permit teeth I3 to slide freely over the inner face of clutch bar end 2Ia. This holding of sleeve I2 against rotation will cause shaft I to rotate counterclockwise on the pull of the hous ing. It is thus seen that with the parts in Position No, 9, the shaft will rotate counterclockwise on both the push and on the pull of the housing along the shaft.

POSITION NO.

No idZe-counterclockwise on push and clockwise on pull Position No. 10 of the parts in housing 9, to cause the shaft to rotate counterclockwise `when the housing is pushed forwardly therealong, and to rotate clockwise when the housing is pulled rearwardly therealong, is shown in Fig. 19. In this position of parts the saddle members 31 and 38 have been so shifted in the housing as to bring the `clutch bar ends 23a and 2 Ia both into contact with teeth I3 of sleeve II under action of springs v25 and 21, and to move clutch bar ends 20h and 2 Ib away from contact with teeth I4 of sleeve I2. The engagement or contact of clutch bar end 20a with teeth I3 is made possible by moving the adjacent end of saddle member 33 clear of clutch bar 2l)V and permitting spring 25 to press them together. The contact of clutch bar end 2 I a with teeth I3 is made possible by providing a notch 40 (similar to notch 33 in Fig. 20) in the outer surface of saddle member 38 adjacent the other end thereof, into which notch clutch bar end 2Ia enters far enough to contact teeth I3. In Position No. 10 it is thus seen that sleeve I2 may rotate freely in either direction in housing Il. However, with both clutch bar ends 20a and 2 Ia in contact with teeth I3, it will be understood from Fig. 3 that sleeve I I is locked against rotation in either direction with relation to the housing, and consequently, due to its internal ribs being of right hand lead, will rotate the shaft counterclockwise when the housing is pushed forwardly, and will rotate the shaft clockwise when the housing is pulled rearwardly, along the shaft.

LIO

12 POSITION NO. 11

Positive lock of shaft on both push and pu'l Position No. 11 of the parts in housing 9, to lock the shaft against rotation in either direction in the housing on both the push and on the pull of theV housing with relation to the shaft, is shown in Fig. 21. In this position the saddle members 31 and 38 have been so shifted in the housing as to bring all four of the clutch Abar ends 20a, 20h, ZI-a and 2lb into contact withV their respective adjacent teeth. This locks the two sleeves II and I2 against rotation in either direction in the housing, as a result of which the shaft is locked against rotation in either direction, or longitudinal movement with relation to the housing on both the push andpull of the housing. The Contact of clutch bar ends' 2Ia and 2lb with teeth I3 and I4 respectively is made possible by providing notches 39 and 4I) in saddle members31 and 38, as described above in connection with Position No. 8 for notch 39, and Position No. 10 for notch 4I). Notch 39 is shown in Figs. 5, 10 and 20, and notch 40 is shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 9.

x PosrrIoN No. 12 shaft idle `m bom push and puzz Position No. 12 of the parts in housing 9.- to permit the shaft I t-o freely idle (nonrotative) in the housing upon both the push and pull of the housing along the shaft, is not shown in any of the views of the drawing, but may be easily understood by assuming that the clutch bar ends 20a, Zlib, 2Ia and 2lb are all away from contact with teeth I3 and I4. In other words, that saddle member 31 is moved into the position shown in Figs. 2, 5, 12 and 19, and that saddle member 38 is moved into the position shown in Figs. 11, 14 and 17.

In order to operatively holdthe two saddle members in proper position with relation to their respective sleeves, as they are moved circumferentially therealong from time to time during their various movements, and prevent them from falling away from the sleeves, each of the saddle handles 35 and 36 (which are rectangular or round in transverse cross-section, as may be desired) are, at a point even with the inner surface of the cylindrical housing, formed of a reduceddiameter cylindrical portion or neck 50, which is further reduced in diameter at 5I and threaded to receive the threaded retaining cap or button 52. While this structureis Ythe same for both saddle handles, I have for Vconvenience designated the button for saddle handle 35 as 53, and the button for saddle handle 36 as 52. This construction enables the saddle members to be assembled in their proper place in the housing and lagainst their respective sleevesV before screwing the retaining buttons onto the saddle handles 35 .and 36. When these buttons kare applied after the parts in the housing have been assembled, the saddle members 31 and 38 are free to be moved around their respective sleeves t-o operate the clutch bars as described above, at which times the reduced diameters 50 of the two saddle handles will slide freely in their respective slots 33 and 34, button 52 being over slot 34, and button 53 being over slot 33. It -is thus seen that the Various operations described above may be -accomplished by selective movements of these two buttons circumferentially of the housing as desired.

In Fig. 1 my helical shaft device is shown as said shiftable members being two in number and each. having an arcuate inner face to circumferentially slide one on each of said sleeves, one of said shiftable members being nearer one end of said clutch bars, and the other being nearer the other end of the clutch bars.

8. A helical device as claimed in claim '7, in which spring means are provided behind each of said clutch bars for moving each end of each of said clutch bars against the adjacent teeth except when held away therefrom by said shiftable members.

9. A helical device as claimed in claim 8, in which one of said shiftable members is formed on its outer surface `adjacent one end with a notch for selectively receiving one of said clutch bars.

10. A helical device as claimed in claim 8, in which each of said shiftable members is formed onv its outer surface adjacent one end with a notch for selectively receiving one of said clutch bars to increase the range of operations of the shaft upon movements of the housing longitudinally therealong.

11. A helical shaft machine, comprising, a shaft having a right hand and a left hand helical groove extending longitudinally therein, a pair of sleeves on said shaft, one of said sleeves being formed to follow the right hand groove and the other sleeve being formed to follow the left hand groove, a circumferential row of teeth on each of the outer ends of the sleeves, a pair of clutch bars extending longitudinally one on each of the opposite sides of the pair of sleeves and having their ends overlapping said rows of teeth, a housing around said sleeves and clutch bars, spring means between each clutch bar and the housing to normally urge the clutch bar ends toward the respective adjacent teeth, shifting members for selectively moving the clutch bar ends away from the teeth, one of said clutch bars being arranged so that the teeth at its respective ends may slip by the adjacent clutch bar end when the teeth rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed from the rear end of the shaft and will lock when the teeth rotate in a counterclockwise direction when these clutch bar ends are selectively in contact with said teeth, and the other clutch bar being arranged so that the teeth at its respective ends may slip by the adjacent clutch bar end when the teeth rotate in a counterclockwise direction and lock when the teeth rotate in a clockwise direction when these clutch bar ends are selectively in contact with their Vadjacent teeth.

12. A helical shaft machine, comprising, a shaft having a right hand and a left hand helical groove extending longitudinally therealong, a pair of sleeves on said shaft, one of said sleeves being formed to follow the right hand groove and the other sleeve being formed to follow the left hand groove, teeth on each of said sleeves, a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extending Iclutch bars outside of said sleeves, each of said clutch bars having a pair of longitudinally spaced clutch portions facing said sleeves respectively, the two clutch portions toward one end of the two clutch bars lying over the teeth on one sleeve, the two clutch portions toward the other end of the two clutch bars lying over the teeth on the other sleeve, spring means for biasing lsaid clutch portions with relation to said teeth, land shifting means adjacent said clutch portions for selectively overcoming the bias of the spring means, said four clutch portions having four possible relative contacts with said teeth upon operation of said shifting means.

13. Helical shaft apparatus, comprising, a shaft having a right hand helical groove extending longitudinally therein, and a left hand helical groove extending longitudinally therein, a housing through which said shaft extends, a pair of sleeves on said shaft, one of said sleeves having an internal projection slidable in the right hand groove, the other sleeve having an internal projection slidable in the left hand groove, each of said lsleeves having a circumferential row of teeth, said rows of teeth being 1ongitudinally spaced apart, said sleeves being rotatable in said housing but held against longitudinal movement with relation thereto, a clutch bar rockably mounted in the housing and having a pair of longitudinally spaced clutch portions extending respectively over said teeth, spring means normally urging both of said clutch portions toward said teeth, a rst shifting member adjacent one `of said clutch portions which when pushed under the clutch bar will move that clutch portion away from the adjacent teeth and when moved away from the clutch bar will free that clutch portion to move against the adjacent teeth under action of said spring means, a second shifting member adjacent the other one of said clutch portions and having an action with relation thereto similar to that of said first shifting member with relation to its clutch portion, whereby either of said clutch portions may be selectively moved against or away from its respective teeth, and both of said clutch portions may be selectively moved into simultaneous contact with both rows of teeth and also move simultaneously away from both rows of teeth.

14. Helical shaft apparatus, comprising, a shaft having a right hand and a left hand helical groove extending longitudinally therein, a pair of sleeves on said shaft, one of said sleeves being formed to follow the right hand groove and the other being formed to follow the left hand groove, -a circumferential row of teeth on each of said sleeves, said rows of teeth being spaced apart longitudinally of the shaft, a pair of laterally spaced clutch bars each having a pair of longitudinally spaced clutch portions thus forming four clutch portions two of which overlap one of said rows of teeth and the other two overlap the other row of teeth, spring means for biasing each of said clutch portions with relation to its respective row of teeth, and shifting means for shifting said clutch portions against the bias of said spring means, each of the four clutch portions being movable in an approximatelyA radial direction against and away from the adjacent row of teeth under action of the spring means and the shifting means, thus providing four points of contact between the clutch portions and the teeth, the spring means and the shifting means providing means for engaging `and disengaging vany one, two, three or four of said points of `contact with their respective teeth, and any combination thereof.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, including a housing around said shaft, sleeves, clutch bars and shifting means, saidY shifting means being movable sidewise of the housing and comprising a pair of separately shiftable saddle members each of a length to simultaneously contact both of said clutch bars when moved to that position.

16. A helical shaft machine comprising, a.

shaft having a right hand and a left hand helical groove extending longitudinally therea-long, a pair of sleeves on said shaft, one of said sleeves being formed to follow the right hand groove and the other sleeve being formed to follow the left hand groove, a circumferential row of teeth on each sleeve, a pair of laterally spaced rockable clutch bars extending longitudinally ybetween the two rows of teeth and overlapping the same adjacent each end of each clutch bar, spring means for biasing each of said clutch bar ends with relation to said teeth, a shifting saddle adjacent one row of teeth for overcoming said bias with relation to that row of teeth for one or both of the corresponding clutch bar ends, and a, shifting saddle adjacent the other row of teeth for overcoming said bias with relation to the last mentioned row of teeth for one or both of the corresponding clutch ybar ends, said spring means and shifting saddles, upon shifting of said saddles, causing selective engagement and disengagement of either or both ends of each clutch bar with relation to the adjacent teeth.

17. A machine as claimed in claim 16, in which the clutch bars are so arranged with relation to the two rows of teeth, that when both ends of one clutch bar are in contact with their respective teeth vand both ends of the other clutch bar are out of contact with their respective teeth, one of the sleeves will be held against counterclockwise rotation in the housing `and the other sleeve Will rotate freely in a clockwise direction in the housing when the housing is pushed forwardly along the shaft, and when the housing is pulled rearwardly along the shaft the reverse operation of the sleeves will. take place, whereby the shaft will rotate clockwise on both a push and a pull of the housing.

WILLIAM E. DE WALD.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 942,571 Leland Dec. 7, 1909 2,301,413 Kilcup Nov. 10, 1942 2,521,816 Adams Sept. 12, 1950 

